Author: Abdihakim Kalale

While African leaders convened in Beijing last week for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, the state of affairs in Somalia continues to stand in sharp contrast to the continent’s overall improving relations with China. Somalia’s state makes it an exception to China’s financial incentives offered to many African countries in exchange for access to Africa’s abundant raw materials, which are vital resources.In addition to internal corruption and long-standing clan rivalries that have hampered Somalia’s governance and development for more than three decades, the country still faces threats from the al-Shabaab militia. Even though it is a noteworthy gesture,…

According to the health ministry, Sudan has recorded 6,968 cases of cholera, with 242 deaths reported across eight states. This indicates the increasing burden the ongoing conflict is placing on the nation’s healthcare system. The ministry reported that in five states—Kashsala, Gedaref, Red Sea, River Nile, and Northern—there had been 411 new cases and 12 deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 6,968 with 242 deaths.According to the World Health Organization, the fighting that broke out in April between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had a severe impact on Sudan’s health system, leaving 80% of…

Five young sailors, aged 11 to 15, will represent Tanzania at the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) African Optimist Championships, according to the Tanzania Sailing Association (TSA). The event will take place in Mahé, Seychelles, from September 14 to 21. The TSA announced in a press release that the young sailors have been training at Msasani Bay. The association thanked the sailing community for their ongoing support of these athletes, noting that four of them had previously competed in the African Championships. The sailors selected for the competition hail from the Kigamboni Sailing Center and the Dar es Salaam Yacht…

Somaliland, the breakaway region, maintains that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia regarding access to the Red Sea has been finalized, but that both parties still need to finalize a legal agreement. In Hargeisa, the Somaliland’s capital, diplomats were informed of the development by regional minister for foreign affairs and international relations Essa Kayd, who described it as “significant and imminent.” A few months prior, Kayd had stated that the agreement was being implemented as planned, mentioning that only a few details needed to be finalized. The agreement is being worked on by a team of high-level advisors and a…

The sanctions against Sudan, which include travel restrictions, asset freezes, and an arms embargo, were unanimously renewed by the UN Security Council on Wednesday for an additional year, ending on September 12, 2025. The resolution, which was approved in accordance with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, intends to impose sanctions on those who and groups that support the conflict in Sudan and limit the supply of weapons into Darfur. According to the US delegate, the revitalization gives the Darfuri people a crucial indication that the world community is still concerned about their situation. The delegate from the United Kingdom…

Six persons, including three children, have died as a result of an outbreak of dengue fever in Sudan’s East Nile district’s Soba East area, according to a health official’s report on Tuesday. The majority of the 32 instances of the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, have been reported by the East Nile Emergency Room and are centered in the neighborhoods of Al-Shaqila, Al-Salama, and Al-Toweirab. Severe stomach pain, frequent vomiting, exhaustion, skin rash, low blood pressure, and breathing difficulties are some of the signs and symptoms of dengue fever. In tropical and subtropical areas, the illness spreads quickly and…

The president of the South West state, Abdulaziz Laftagareen, has received a warning from Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Abdulkadir Mohamed Noor, over his backing Ethiopian troops in Somalia.The minister declared in a statement that the people of South West State will never submit to the might of a “historical enemy.” “I speak especially to my people who live in the Lower Shabelle, Bakool, and Bay regions. “We will never be confronted by a past foe who our forefathers rejected from invading upon our territory and occupying our populace,” Abdulkadir declared. His words came after those of the state president of…

Even as the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) confirmed that the strike began at midnight, a few travelers who spoke with local media said the airport was at a complete standstill. Anger erupted when boarding and takeoff were delayed, leaving long lines of stranded passengers. Since last month, KAWU has been waging a strike in protest of the proposed leasing of JKIA to the Indian conglomerate Adani Group. The strike has been escalating for several weeks. It also came after the union and government officials’ negotiations broke down. Over the past few weeks, aviation workers have expressed their opposition to…

According to people familiar with the situation, Turkiye and Somalia have discussed setting up a location for missile and space rocket tests from the Horn of Africa nation. The people, who wished to remain anonymous when discussing sensitive topics, claimed that Ankara’s ballistic-missile program necessitates long-range testing and that Somalia’s position on the eastern tip of mainland Africa makes it perfect for firing toward the Indian Ocean. They claimed that because the nation is near the equator, it would be an ideal location for a space port. Experiments conducted close to the equator can also help space rockets fly farther…

Ali Karti has been elected as the president of the Broad Islamic Current, a coalition of Islamist Movements in Sudan, the coalition announced in a statement on Monday. According to a coalition statement, Ali Karti, a former foreign minister and secretary-general of the powerful Islamic Movement, accepted the role and promised to carry out an ambitious agenda.After longtime President Omer al-Bashir was overthrown in 2019, he has not been in the public eye, though authorities did want him during the transition. The coalition acknowledged that the election was held in Sudan, but it did not say where or how it was held.The…

The Djiboutian government changed its decision, of offering Ethiopia full control over a port. This move was intended to defuse tensions in the Horn of Africa, specifically the ongoing standoff between Somalia and Ethiopia over access to Sea. Djibouti claims Ethiopia will be given partial management of the port of Tadjourah, to strenght trade ties with Ethiopia. An earlier offer for complete operational oversight had been made to Ethiopia. The minister of foreign affairs of Djibouti, Mohamed Ali Youssouf, had made suggestions that Ethiopia should be granted full control and access to the port of Tadjourah as a calculated move to reduce…

Ethiopia Celebrates Enkutatash: Welcoming the New Year with Tradition and Joy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopia is celebrating its New Year, known as Enkutatash, with a series of vibrant events and cultural activities. This unique celebration, which takes place on September 11th according to the Ethiopian calendar, is a significant cultural event for Ethiopians and is marked with traditional festivities and community gatherings. Historical Background Enkutatash, meaning “gift of jewels” in Amharic, has deep historical roots in Ethiopia. The celebration is linked to the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season, which is a time…

During a recent discussion on Horn of Africa affairs, elders from the Somali regional state in Ethiopia urged Somalis to “refrain from involving themselves in a war that does not concern them”.Ogaden clan Elder Garaad Kulmiye Garaad Mohamed presided over the meeting, which covered current regional concerns and stressed the value of stability. The elders talked about Ethiopia’s efforts to gain access to the sea, characterizing it as a project for the country’s overall development. Garaad highlighted the interdependence of regional interests by emphasizing that “anything harmful to Ethiopia also harms the people of the Somali region.” Protecting the nation’s…

Dozens of Women and Children Reported Missing in Mogadishu: Allegations of Trafficking Involving Government Officials This year, Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, has witnessed a troubling rise in reported cases of missing women and children. Recent investigations suggest that these individuals may have fallen victim to human trafficking networks, with allegations pointing towards involvement by government officials. Allegations of Trafficking and Exploitation According to reports, many of the missing girls and women are suspected to have been trafficked to other countries, including Saudi Arabia and various nations across the Arabian Peninsula. The primary concern is that these individuals are being…

Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio party, has received the support of a group of young leaders from thirteen African nations in his bid for the top position on the African Union (AU) Commission.His vision for the continent was deemed authentic by the youths under the Pan African Youth Convention and Cross-section of Africa Major Youth Stakeholder Groups in a statement. They went on to say that he doesn’t back down from the very real difficulties facing Africa. “He has a burning desire to bring about progressive change throughout the continent. He is a positive, strong, and passionate individual.…

On Sunday, the University of Northern Bahr el-Ghazal State, the largest public university in the state, celebrated the inauguration of a brand-new library complex gifted by the Eritrean community in South Sudan. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant enhancement in the university’s infrastructure. During the handover ceremony, Yohannes Teklemicael, the Eritrean ambassador to South Sudan, highlighted the library’s potential to enrich the educational experience for students. “This library will enable students to broaden their knowledge and skills, ultimately benefiting the nation,” Teklemicael said. He emphasized the deep historical ties between Eritrea and South Sudan, reflecting on the shared commitment to…